Editing Sherman Cottle

{{Character Data
|photo= Cottle.jpg 
|seen= Act of Contrition
|lastseen=Daybreak, Part II 
|role= Chief Medical Officer, battlestar ''{{RDM|Galactica}}''
|rank= Major
|actor= [[Donnelly Rhodes]]
}} 
'''Major Sherman Cottle, M.D.''' is ''{{RDM|Galactica}}''{{'|s}} [[CMO|Chief Medical Officer]]. As the battlestar operates with a minimal crew complement leading up to its [[Miniseries|expected decommissioning]], Cottle is the only qualified physician and chief surgeon aboard ''Galactica'', supported by a handful of medics such as [[Layne Ishay]] and [[Howard Kim]]. While Cottle acts as the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]'s ''de facto'' Surgeon General, conducting inspections on other ships, there are also civilian physicians like Dr. [[Robert]] {{TRS|The Woman King}} and Dr. [[Stoffa]] {{TRS|Hero}}, though the latter might be a clinical psychologist and not a medical doctor.<ref>It is unknown whether ''Pegasus'' had a medical staff and a chief medical officer that survived the Fall and subsequent [[Battle of the Communications Relay]], as the state of ''Pegasus''{{'|s}} medical staff was never discussed on-screen.</ref>

Cottle is known for his distinctive eccentricities, namely being a heavy [[Fumarella smoking|fumarella smoker]] despite the obvious medical risks, his outwardly abrasive demeanor, and being unimpressed by positions of authority. He is considered a "bastard" among some of ''Galactica''{{'|s}} crew, but above all things he is a healer. To him, nothing else truly matters, be it rank, riches, or species. However, Cottle has shown a caring side that he hides under his gruffness, comforting the mortally wounded Natalie as she dies by holding her hand and taking good care of President Roslin. When Roslin acknowledges his compassion, he shows he does care and is clearly affected by her words, but she has him return to his usual grumbling and smoking to preserve his reputation.

== Biography ==

=== Post-Fall ===
Cottle is the third person in the Fleet to learn about President [[Laura Roslin]]'s fight with cancer, after [[Lee Adama]] and [[Billy Keikeya]] {{TRS|Miniseries, Night 2|Bastille Day|Act of Contrition}}. He agrees to treat her condition without revealing it to anyone else, and further agrees to support more unorthodox treatments, namely the use of [[chamalla]] extract against his better medical judgment. Knowing the extent of her illness and Roslin's reluctance to undergo [[Doloxan]] therapy, the doctor also recommends prayer.

Cottle takes a personal interest in [[Kara Thrace]]'s recovery from injuries suffered during a mission {{TRS|You Can't Go Home Again}}. The doctor works with Lee Adama to get her out of sickbay, though without initial success {{TRS|Six Degrees of Separation}}.

==== Commander Adama's Assassination Attempt ====

After the assassination attempt on [[William Adama]] {{TRS|Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II}}, Cottle is unavailable to stabilize the Commander as he is aboard another ship in the Fleet. Matters worsen after ''Galactica'''s jump to the [[Emergency Jump Coordinates|emergency coordinates]] separates Cottle from the battlestar. [[Saul Tigh|Colonel Tigh]] orders Cottle's medics to stop Adama's internal bleeding {{TRS|Scattered}}. However, while the medics stabilize the Commander's condition, they are unable to fully stop his bleeding. Cottle finally arrives and is able to operate on Commander Adama, saving his life after much risky work {{TRS|Fragged}}.

During this crisis, Cottle demonstrates his characteristic disdain for military hierarchy and protocol. When Colonel Tigh inquires about Adama's condition as Cottle begins the life-saving surgery, the doctor curtly responds: "How should I know? I'm not a psychic. Now get the hell out of here" {{TRS|Fragged}}. Later, after Tigh's ill-advised attempt to restore supply runs to ''Galactica'' aboard ''[[Gideon]]'' results in four civilian deaths, Cottle is unsympathetic when Tigh asks what happened: "What'd you expect, genius? You put a pilot in charge of crowd control" {{TRS|Resistance (episode)}}.

==== Presidential Conspiracy ====

At President Roslin's request, despite his blunt assessment of the plan's illegality and danger (responding to her pitch with "You're a lousy salesman"), Cottle assists Roslin in escaping ''Galactica'' by filing a medical request for a [[Raptor]] flight to care for patients on other ships. Roslin successfully leaves ''Galactica'' on this "appropriated" Raptor with [[Lee Adama]] at the helm {{TRS|Resistance (episode)}}.

==== Medical Ethics and Patient Care ====

Major Cottle performs a series of medical scans on [[Gaius Baltar]]'s head at Baltar's request. Unknown to Cottle, Baltar is seeking evidence of a Cylon computer chip implanted in his brain. The scans show nothing unusual, and Cottle dismisses Baltar as a hypochondriac, noting "There's one on every bloody ship" {{TRS|Home, Part II}}.

Even Cottle's stony exterior gives way to the pain he witnesses when delivering devastating news to Laura Roslin about her cancer's progression. Her cancer has spread aggressively, and the doctor gives Roslin, bluntly but compassionately, one month to live {{TRS|Flight of the Phoenix}}. His concern for Cylon [[Sharon Agathon|Sharon Valerii]] and her unborn [[Hera Agathon|hybrid child]] demonstrates his strict adherence to medical ethics, especially remarkable given the crew's distrust and hatred of her. He describes Lt. [[Thorne]]'s attempted rape of Sharon as "unforgivable" and voices his strong opposition to Baltar using Sharon's baby's blood as a cure for Roslin's cancer {{TRS|Resurrection Ship, Part I|Epiphanies}}.

==== Abortion Controversy ====

Cottle gains a controversial reputation among the Fleet for performing abortions. When [[Rya Kibby]], a young [[Gemenon (RDM)|Gemenese]] girl, seeks to end her pregnancy, she stows away to reach ''Galactica'' and see Cottle. The doctor explains his approach to Admiral Adama with characteristic directness: "I get a note that a girl's on the way. She arrives. I do my work. And then she leaves. I don't ask a lot of questions." When Admiral Adama asks Kibby to return to her parents, Cottle boldly suggests that the girl instead request political asylum aboard ''Galactica'', earning [[Stare of Death|a stern stare]] from Adama {{TRS|The Captain's Hand}}.

=== New Caprica ===
After President [[Gaius Baltar|Baltar]]'s election and the settlement of [[New Caprica]], Cottle, like most of ''Galactica'''s crew, retires from military duty. One year after the election, he serves as a civilian doctor on New Caprica in private practice {{TRS|Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II}}.

During the Cylon occupation of the planet, Cottle continues his work as a doctor and surgeon, operating as a neutral party in the Cylon-administered state within [[New Caprica City]]. He treats human and Cylon patients alike. When a copy of [[Number Three]] (likely [[D'Anna Biers]]) questions why he provides medical care to Cylons, he responds that he would do the same for anyone who sought his help {{TRS|Exodus, Part I}}.

=== Second Exodus ===
After the events on [[New Caprica]], Cottle faces numerous medical challenges as ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' takes on refugees. Among the diseases discovered is [[Mellorak infection]]. Hoping to conserve the dwindling supply of medicines, he assigns medication for Mellorak to ''Galactica'' personnel for immunization and distributes it to others on a need basis. Due to the investigative efforts of {{callsign|Karl Agathon}}, the appointed "mayor of [[Dogsville]]," Cottle investigates the activities of his longtime friend, [[Michael Robert]]. After performing extensive autopsies on several of Robert's patients, Cottle discovers that Robert has been systematically killing patients based on their birth colony, primarily targeting those from [[Sagittaron]]. With help from [[Saul Tigh]], Cottle puts an end to Robert's murderous practices {{TRS|The Woman King}}.

==== Roslin's Cancer Return ====

Shortly after discovering that [[Laura Roslin]]'s cancer has returned, Cottle begins Roslin's [[Doloxan]] treatment. After the treatment is completed, he and his medical staff are completely baffled when Roslin and {{callsign|Athena}} wake up screaming simultaneously. It is unknown whether he is informed of the shared vision experienced by the two women and [[Caprica-Six]] {{TRS|Crossroads, Part II}}.

==== Gaeta's Amputation ====

Cottle treats [[Felix Gaeta]] when he returns from the ''Demetrius'' mission with a severely infected leg. The infection is so advanced that Cottle doesn't attempt to save the limb, immediately calling for a cut-down tray for amputation. When Gaeta requests to remain awake during the operation, Cottle initially tries to dissuade him but ultimately agrees sympathetically after Gaeta explains his reasoning. Cottle successfully amputates Gaeta's right leg below the knee {{TRS|Guess What's Coming to Dinner?}}.

==== Final Compassionate Moments ====

Cottle treats the mortally wounded [[Natalie]] and attempts to save her life, but ultimately fails. As she dies, she reaches out to him, and he takes and holds her hand, offering comfort during her final moments with no hope of resurrection {{TRS|Sine Qua Non}}.

=== Final Mission and New Earth ===

When Admiral Adama plans one final rescue mission for ''Galactica'', Cottle and [[Layne Ishay|Ishay]] discuss it in sickbay, unaware that Laura Roslin is listening. When Adama calls for volunteers for the dangerous rescue mission, both Cottle and Ishay volunteer, but Adama sends Cottle back, addressing him by his first name and explaining that he's too valuable for the Fleet to lose {{TRS|Daybreak, Part I}}.

In a poignant final interaction with President Roslin, Cottle provides her with injections to keep her functional for two days during the rescue mission, but warns her that doing so will consume what little life she has remaining. Roslin thanks him sincerely, and Cottle is genuinely touched, appearing almost ready to break down emotionally. Roslin, noticing his vulnerability, tells him not to ruin his gruff reputation and instructs him to go smoke a cigarette {{TRS|Daybreak, Part I}}.

Later, Cottle is seen on [[Earth (RDM)|New Earth]] as part of the landing party investigating the tribal humans they encounter. He reports that after examining graves, the DNA of the humans on New Earth is compatible with the Colonials, providing crucial scientific validation for their new home {{TRS|Daybreak, Part II}}.

== Character Analysis ==

=== Medical Philosophy and Ethics ===

Dr. Cottle embodies a complex medical philosophy that prioritizes patient care above all social, political, and military considerations. His willingness to treat Cylons during the New Caprica occupation demonstrates his commitment to the fundamental medical principle that all sentient beings deserve care regardless of their nature or origins. This ethical stance often puts him at odds with military protocol and popular opinion, but Cottle remains unwavering in his medical obligations.

=== Relationship Dynamics ===

Despite his gruff exterior, Cottle develops meaningful relationships with key characters throughout the series. His treatment of President Roslin evolves from purely professional to deeply personal, with mutual respect developing between the pragmatic doctor and the determined leader. His interactions with Admiral Adama show a grudging respect for authority when it serves the greater good, while his contempt for Colonel Tigh's leadership reveals his intolerance for incompetence that endangers lives.

=== Symbolic Elements ===

Cottle's constant smoking serves as more than mere character eccentricity; it represents his rejection of conventional medical wisdom and authority, his acceptance of mortality, and his commitment to personal autonomy even in the face of societal expectations. This behavior, while medically irresponsible, symbolically reinforces his role as an iconoclast who challenges established norms while maintaining his essential humanity.

== Notes ==

=== Character Development and Conception ===

According to series developer [[Ron D. Moore]], Dr. Cottle was specifically created to be the antithesis of the typical "touchy-feely" television doctor, such as [[w:Leonard McCoy|Dr. McCoy]] from ''[[w:Star Trek|Star Trek]]''. Moore deliberately wanted a character who would smoke in front of a [[Laura Roslin|cancer patient]] and refuse to put it out when asked.<ref group="production" name="moore_cottle_conception">{{cite web|url=https://en.battlestarwiki.org/Podcast:Act_of_Contrition#:~:text=series%20developer%20Ron%20D.%20Moore%20created%20Cottle%20to%20be%20the%20antithesis%20of%20the%20typical%20%22touchy-feely%22%20television%20doctor|title=Podcast for "Act of Contrition"|publisher=Battlestar Wiki|note=Timestamp 21:40|accessdate=August 11, 2025}}</ref> This creative decision established Cottle as a uniquely memorable character who challenged conventional medical drama archetypes.

The character was named after [[Michael Rymer]]'s childhood pediatrician, though Rymer noted that his real-life doctor was actually a very nice person, unlike his fictional counterpart.<ref group="production" name="rymer_cottle_naming">{{cite web|url=https://en.battlestarwiki.org/Podcast:Act_of_Contrition#:~:text=Doctor%20Cottle%20is%20named%20after%20Michael%20Rymer%E2%80%99s%20childhood%20pediatrician|title=Podcast for "Act of Contrition"|publisher=Battlestar Wiki|accessdate=August 11, 2025}}</ref> Cottle's first name, Sherman, is a possible reference to Col. [[w:Sherman T. Potter|Sherman Potter]], the commanding officer of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital on the television series ''[[w:M*A*S*H (TV series)|M*A*S*H]]''.<ref group="production" name="cottle_potter_reference">{{cite web|url=https://en.battlestarwiki.org/Podcast:Act_of_Contrition#:~:text=Cottle%E2%80%99s%20first%20name%2C%20Sherman%2C%20is%20a%20possible%20reference%20to%20Col.%20Sherman%20Potter|title=Podcast for "Act of Contrition"|publisher=Battlestar Wiki|accessdate=August 11, 2025}}</ref>

=== Casting and Performance ===

Actor [[Donnelly Rhodes]] was originally one of three finalists for the role of Colonel [[Saul Tigh]], but when that role went to [[Michael Hogan]], the impressed producers created the recurring role of Dr. Cottle specifically for Rhodes.<ref group="production" name="rhodes_tigh_audition_cottle">{{cite web|url=https://en.battlestarwiki.org/Podcast:Act_of_Contrition#:~:text=actor%20Donnelly%20Rhodes%20was%20one%20of%20the%20three%20finalists%20up%20for%20the%20role%20of%20Colonel%20Saul%20Tigh|title=Podcast for "Act of Contrition"|publisher=Battlestar Wiki|note=Timestamp 22:41|accessdate=August 11, 2025}}</ref> Rhodes' interpretation of the minimal character direction—which simply noted "He smokes"—led to the development of Cottle's most distinctive trait: his constant cigarette smoking, even during surgery.<ref group="production" name="cottle_smoking_development">{{cite web|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/Entertainment/Battlestar+Galactica+Donnelly+Rhodes+honoured+career+battles/1327868/story.html#:~:text=The%20character%20was%20sketchily%20drawn%20in%20the%20beginning%2C%20Rhodes%20recalled.%20There%20was%20just%20the%20one%20writers%E2%80%99%20notation%3A%20%E2%80%9CHe%20smokes.%E2%80%9D|title=Battlestar Galactica's Donnelly Rhodes honoured for career battles|author=Alex Strachan|publisher=Vancouver Sun|date=February 25, 2009|accessdate=August 11, 2025}}</ref>

=== Continuity and Series Connections ===

* Cottle's counterpart in the [[TOS|Original Series]] is [[Salik]].
* As a [[Major]] and non-line officer, Cottle would not assume command unless all senior line officers were incapacitated.
* Doctor Cottle is first mentioned in "[[Bastille Day]]," but the character does not appear on-screen until "[[Act of Contrition]]."<ref group="production" name="cottle_first_appearance">{{cite web|url=https://en.battlestarwiki.org/Podcast:Act_of_Contrition#:~:text=Doctor%20Cottle%20is%20first%20mentioned%20in%20%22Bastille%20Day%2C%22%20but%20the%20character%20does%20not%20appear%20on-screen%20until%20the%20next%20episode|title=Podcast for "Act of Contrition"|publisher=Battlestar Wiki|note=Timestamp 21:23|accessdate=August 11, 2025}}</ref>
* Cottle's first initial is visible on prescription bottles made available during the Battlestar Galactica Props & Costumes auction. His first name, Sherman, is revealed in "[[Daybreak, Part I]]."
* A "Cottle" is mentioned in the ''[[Caprica]]'' episode "[[The Heavens Will Rise]]" by [[Amanda Graystone]] as the practitioner on duty when [[Jordan Duram]] was shot, suggesting the Cottle name has a medical legacy within the Colonial healthcare system.

== References ==

{{reflist}}

=== Production Notes ===
{{reflist|group=production}}

=== External Sources ===
{{reflist|group=external}}

{{Characters}}
{{DEFAULTSORT: Cottle, Sherman}}

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